The economic outlook still uncertain but varies oversees - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 2 Feb 23:00 GMT
Exhibitors delight at good sales, positive discussions and many new international customer contacts - boot 2024 © boot Düsseldorf
News from Europe suggests a positive year ahead. After nine days, the boating and water sports industry can deliver a positive verdict on the boot Düsseldorf trade fair.
"We had many new contacts at our stands and were able to conclude numerous deals. The right visitors ensured very good sales figures in the boat sector as well as for motors/engines, boards, diving equipment and accessories. boot 2024 provided the perfect start to the season," explains exhibitor spokesperson and trade fair president Robert Marx.
Despite very difficult conditions - from the arrival of winter weather to strikes - boot Düsseldorf once again demonstrated its excellent international standing in the industry. Accordingly, CEO & President of Messe Düsseldorf Wolfram Diener is very pleased with the positive outcome: "With 214,000 visitors from 120 countries, we have achieved a good result and can be more than satisfied in these challenging times. Customers and exhibitors have a unique platform for networking here. It's great, we were once again able to underpin boot Düsseldorf's leading position with an inspiring business atmosphere in the exhibition halls."
In Australia, their largest boat show is open for exhibitor bookings. The Sydney International Boat Show will return to the International Convention Centre Sydney and Cockle Bay from 1-4 August. Presented by the Boating Industry Association in conjunction with event delivery partner, Mulpha Events, the four-day event set amongst Sydney's iconic Darling Harbour, will showcase the best of the boating lifestyle: from the large fleet of powerboats and sailboats on the event marina, through to a host of premium exhibitors displaying the latest trailer boats, personal watercraft, and marine technology in the exhibition halls.
Exhibitors looking to further enhance their presence and customer reach across the Australian marine industry are encouraged to register, with applications now open.
Further north, the marina and boatyard industry in Queensland is set to boom in the next ten years with several large-scale marina developments in progress on the Gold Coast, and the Olympics set for Brisbane in 2032. A marina growth partner called Zeal Marinas located on the Gold Coast has recently emerged from the industry, set to offer specialised services to transform marinas/boatyards across the South Pacific into multifaceted must-visit destinations.
From the USA, Freedom Boat Club, the world's largest boat club operator, announced this week it delivered more than 600,000-member boating trips across its global footprint in North America, Europe and Australia throughout 2023. This milestone highlights Freedom's continued strategic growth and scale across the world's top boating destinations.
"We are thrilled to reach this exciting milestone, and equally passionate about executing on our mission of expanding marine participation and delivering remarkable member experiences," said Cecil Cohn, President, Freedom Boat Club Network. "We are committed to providing a pathway for new entrants and all who seek to enjoy the on-water lifestyle through our subscription-based boating model, and we believe this milestone reflects that strategy."
In New Zealand, Auckland's home of Haines Hunter will be boosted by a new alliance with powerboat specialists Trev Terry Marine. Trev Terry, which has branches throughout the North and South Islands, has formed the alliance with the iconic brand to run its retail operation, Haines Hunter HQ, in Ellerslie, Auckland. Haines Hunter is one of New Zealand's iconic marine brands.
The company began as SeaCraft in 1946 and has produced a hugely popular range of fibreglass family and fishing boats under the Haines Hunter brand for 40 years. Trev Terry is also a longstanding family business, which has been undergoing a period of growth and diversification in recent years, to position the company as one of the country's leading retailers of new and used recreational trailer-boat, personal watercraft, and marine accessories.
Good news for offshore sailors. Queensland's oldest race, the Brisbane to Gladstone, will set sail for the 76th year with the help of a major commitment from Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) - a contribution of $300,000 to the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club over the next five years. GPC CEO Craig Haymes said they are honoured to be playing a major role in Australia's second biggest yacht race, which is an Easter tradition for both the Gladstone region and Queensland.
"It's only January but our preparations for the race are in full swing including getting the giant pontoon ready - we can't wait to welcome the fleet back to Gladstone to refresh, relax and explore all that our 5 Gold Anchor Marina has to offer," Mr Haymes said.
Sea safety equipment continues to improve. Marine Rescue Shoalhaven has bolstered its rescue capability with a new state-of-the-art life-saving device after being awarded a grant by Manildra Group. Marine Rescue NSW Southern Zone Commander Mike Hammond said the generosity aided the unit to purchase the Marine Rescue Illawarra region's first ever USafe, a motorised remote controlled lifebuoy for rescue missions on Shoalhaven waterways.
"The USafe is a versatile and reliable piece of equipment that will assist our volunteers greatly in their mission of saving lives on the water."
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Stay on track,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media